My Favorite Maui Vacation Photos

When my husband’s family decided to vacation together last December, it was go big or don’t go at all!  There was 26 of us that traveled from California to Maui, Hawaii for 9 days of sun, sand, and surf. If you know me well, you know that Hawaii holds a special place in my heart and in my soul.  I felt a connection to the island when I first set foot there in 2006.  Since then I’ve visited all the Hawaiian islands and one day I’ll call one of them home.  If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen some of these in real time back in the winter, they are my favorite Maui vacation photos.

We stayed at the Honua Kai Resort located in Kaanapali.  It was gorgeous, tons of pools if you weren’t on the beach and in the ocean, great food, beautiful suites that fit the whole family.  I would totally live there, and some people do!  This pool was lovely and behind the waterfall is a cozy nook to share with your loved one, just around the corner is another pool with a lazy river and they even have an adults only pool!  Great location and just a 5-7 minute drive to Lahaina town.

We had a view of the West Maui mountains from our room’s Lanai.All 13 children ages 1-17 loved the beach that was just steps from the resort.  At times it seemed empty and that it was our personal playground.  The water was clear and warm, and it was perfect to wade or float in a tube in, boogie board, and snorkel.  The kids preferred the ocean to the pool because you can swim in a pool ANYWHERE!  Even though we live in California, we just can’t swim in our Pacific waters, so every day found us in the ocean at some part of the day.  The kids also loved to find downed palm fronds and to create beach forts and play “Survivor” in the sand.  When you want to explore more of the west side of the island, head south…like as south as you can go before the road ends past Makena.  Along the way you’ll find stunning black sand beaches hidden off dirt roads.When you reach La Perouse Bay, the hike through the lava fields will leave you speechless.The Molokini Crater photo bombed a picture of my cute husband.

The sunset over the island of Lanai is so peaceful.And, speaking of Lanai, it’s only a boat ride away.  We took a snorkel cruise that had us in the waters just off the coast of Lanai and before we anchored we saw Sweetheart Rock.Driving north on the west side of the island on a rainy morning, Kapalua Bay is mystical.Honolua Bay, like something out of a dream.

In Lahaina town, just off the road a park for local families and tourists alike.  Simple and crazy beautiful at the same time.Quiet moments in the sun.Beauty at it’s most unique, red trunks of the Lipstick Palms.Aina Nalu is a resort in the middle of Lahaina.  Walking distance to the action on Front Street.  If feels like a secluded paradise.Tranquility at it’s best.

A special surprise on the return flight home on Hawaiian Airlines.  Upgrade to First Class!  My first time ever and boy was I pampered with free movies, what seemed like unlimited cocktails, blankets, serious leg room, top notch meals, the ability to nearly lie completely flat to rest.  Kudos to my husband whose ticket actually got the bump and he passed it on to me!  I did miss my family, but wow!Have you ever been to Hawaii, tell me about it in the comments!  We’re thrilled to get to visit Hawaii again this summer.  This time in Oahu for a baseball tournament for my son.  And maybe some house hunting (wink)!